Category Archives: Watch Education

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Want to buy a watch and get paid to wear it? Then the Rolex GMT-Master II Pepsi is your watch.

Let’s look at the facts. Rolex is the most well-recognized watch brand in the world. The sport models are Rolex’s most popular models. Rolex stopped making the “Pepsi” models several years ago. Rolex raises their prices every year.

We’re not betting folks, but it would be hard to imagine this watch being worth less than $7,000 in 5 years. So, you’ll essentially get paid to wear it!!

The Rolex Submariner is one of our favorite watches. It is a pure classic, which has evolved gradually over the years, undergoing enhancements without dramatic changes. It is, at its core, an extremely well-designed diver’s watch, that has (for good reason) been replicated by numerous other luxury brands.

We just love this watch, and have, ourselves, worn many variations of the traditional Submariner model over the years. Recently we did a side by side comparison of a newer, ceramic bezel model (est. 2011) and a slightly older stainless steel bezel model (est. 2005).

- Both watches are the same 40mm case size, black face, date complication, oyster finish bracelet. And since a comparable brand new Submariner is going to cost you $8500 retail, they both offer great values.

- We really enjoyed wearing each watch, and the differences are subtle. They both offer exactly the same fashion look, so to the eyes of anyone checking out your watch, the impact is the same – great looking Rolex classic watch.

- Both have the same stainless case, sapphire crystal and oyster bracelet design and finish.

- Both have the same rotating bezel which is one of the best designs for a timer (by rotating the bezel counter clockwise, you align the arrow with the minute hand, and keep track of elapsed time without the risk of a chronograph stopping).

- The newer model has larger markers with more luminescence on the face, making it just a bit easier read (important for anyone with aging eyes).

- The durability of the bezel is higher on the newer model, given the superior ability of ceramic to resist scratches and dents.

- The clasp on the newer model is thicker, and feels a bit more solid.

Conclusion: After 2 days of wearing each, we prefer the ceramic model, mainly because the increased heft of the clasp when putting the watch on, but also because the increased luminosity makes it very easy to read in lower lighting conditions.

Overall the difference between the two watches comes down to very subtle improvements in the design, however, those improvements, at least for us, are certainly meaningful ones.

Attention you financially savvy consumers out there! Did you know that, today, the US spends nearly $13 billion per year on used goods? What’s more is, can you imagine the billions of dollars on top of that that we, as a nation of consumers, are saving by purchasing pre-owned?

“Jewelry- Although it may be rich in sentimental value, fine jewelry can lose as much as 10% of its purchase price in the first year of ownership, partly due to hefty markups. Watches depreciate more slowly, at about 5% per year. So if you’re looking for new bauble to add to your jewelry collection, you’ll get a bigger bang for your buck at estate sales, pawnshops and online retailers.”

At eRelyx, we are gearing up for the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans is this weekend – the drivers parade is today and the race starts tomorrow, finishes on Sunday. Celebrating 90 years this year as what is arguably the worlds most famous endurance race, Le Mans has certainly made its mark.

Ever wonder why the ignition for a Porsche is on the left hand side? Well, you can thank Le Mans. In the 1960s drivers ran to their cars, started them and then took off. By allowing the driver to start the ignition with his left hand and put the car into gear with his right, Porsche gained a few tenths of a second on the field. That’s the kind of attention to detail that leads to performance and luxury.

And speaking of luxury, there has been a longstanding history between auto-racing and luxury watches. Numerous Tag Heuer models have their roots in the sport of racing; the Carerra, Grand Carerra and Formula One all share performance racing as inspiration. Most notably, of course, is the Heuer Monaco made famous by Steve McQueen’s 1971 film “Le Mans” about (…wait for it…) this very race.

However this year’s Le Mans will NOT be sponsored by Tag Heuer, but by Rolex, the king of luxury watches. Porsche Design luxury watches are obviously rooted in racing, and both Breitling and Panerai have collaborated with several automakers on special edition watches, as well.

For those of you watching the US Open Golf tournament held at Merion this weekend- keep your eye out for the crown. We’re, of course, referring to Rolex, who recently expanded their relationship with the USGA, will be the official timekeeper on the course this weekend. Not a surprising fact considering the fact that luxury watch brands have a longstanding history of sponsoring these “country club sports”- ie. golf, tennis, polo, sailing, etc.

But, as we just discovered, the Rolex + Golf relationship is an extra special one considering it “began in 1967 when the company presented Arnold Palmer with a gold Oyster Perpetual to honor his achievements.” (this fun fact is brought to you by the USGA’s website)

So, if you don’t yet have plans for the weekend, may we suggest mixing up some Iced Tea & Lemonade, donning your finest Rolex Watch and pulling up a comfy chair to watch some of our favorites (like Rory McIlroy, Tiger Woods and, Phil Mickelson) compete for the championship title.

We’ve been lusting after a genuine vintage Tag Heuer Monaco Chronograph (or Heuer Monaco, if we’re being accurate) watch for many moons now. Not only is it an awesome-looking watch, the Heuer Monaco is also a hot collector’s item, and makes for a real conversational piece.

So this got us to thinking- what’s the story with this watch that makes it so desirable (and so darn hard to find)?!?

Back in 1969, the Heuer Monaco debuted as the first chronograph watch to feature an automatic movement. Additionally the Monaco was the first SQUARE chronograph watch available on the market.

Beyond its technical innovations, the Heuer Monaco (another fun fact- the TAG Heuer brand we know today did not exist prior to the 1985 TAG Group’s acquisition of the Heuer brand), has a culturally rich past. It was originally conceived in honor of the 1969 Monaco Grand Prix (hence the name), and came to notable fame when actor Steve McQueen wore the watch in the 1971 film Le Mans (a cult favorite among racing fans). The watch has since become synonymous with McQueen and in 2003 Tag Heuer reintroduced the watch in response to McQueen’s popularity.

If you are looking to purchase one of the original Heuer Monaco Chronographs, it is important to keep in mind that the original Monaco was discontinued in the mid-70s. Tag reissued the watch with a new design in 1998, and many of the “Steve McQueen” models you see out there are the reissued, modern version of the original Monaco.

With such a (comparatively) small window of production with the original Monaco watches, there is certainly a very limited pool of original vintage models out on the market today. So if you find one, or have one to sell, let us know! After writing this article, we’re itching for one of these legendary watches even more.

Wow!!! eBay is getting expensive. As of April 16th, eBay’s fees are set to skyrocket. Let’s take a look at an example. In the past, if you sold a $2500 watch on eBay, your fees would be $81.50 (fixed price listing). As of April 16th, it will cost you $250 to sell a $2500 watch!!! Doesn’t take a mathematician to realize that eBay is tripling your fees.

And don’t forget about the PayPal fees!!! You need to pay those as well. On a $2500 watch, the PayPal fees are about $55.

Keep in mind that you need to do all the work – clean the watch, take the pictures, post the watch, answer customer questions, research the buyer to make sure that they’re legit, etc. Might as well sell your watch through eRelyx! Our fees are 12-15% AND we do almost all of the work for you!! Click here to visit our SELL PAGE.

Foreign languages are not my thing. I majored in English for a reason. I, like many Americans, am not good at mimicking the elegant fluidity the romance languages possess. But like any good actress (or, as in my case, general poseur) will tell you, its all about practice, practice, practice.

Luckily, for all of you out there who also count yourselves among the phonetically challenged, we have found a solution! Check out this neat little break-down of the most troublesome high-end jewelry/watch designer names, written up by the folks over at TheVivant.com. Commit these to memory and you’ll be speaking “fancy luxury brand expert” in no time!

Audemars Piguet: OH-duh-MAHR PEA-GAY
We’re in awe of the beautiful detailing and intricacy of the watches from this Swiss brand that boasts celebrity fans like Justin Timberlake and Usher.

Bulgari: BULL-ga-ree
There is nothing vulgar about the accessories from this Italian jewelry brand that was founded in 1884.

Jaeger LeCoultre: Yay-GER leh-KOOLT
Jagermeister is German, but this watch manufacturer is Swiss. Nonetheless, we’re practically a “Koolt” as we worship this luxury brand’s classic and elegant designs.

Patek Philippe: pah-TEK fil-EEP
Pronounce the second word the same way you would say the well known Chinese restaurant chain by the same name. Luckily there is nothing greasy about this designer’s watches.

Piaget: pee-ah-ZHAY
If you say Piaget too quickly it sounds like PJs. Seems proper considering the jewelry and watches from this designer are so fabulous they would dress up just about anything.

Tag Heuer: TAHG HOI-ur
We wonder how long it took the face of this brand’s campaign, Leonardo DiCaprio, to pronounce this name properly?

Ulysse Nardin: you-LEESE nahr-DAN
Here’s a shout out to all Greek mythology gurus or Brad Pitt fans—Ulysse was the Greek king that took over Troy. They were known for their many ships, which seems fitting as this watch brand stamps an anchor on all their watches.

Van Cleef & Arpels: Van Cleef and ahr-PELL
Cleef rhymes with leaf and this jewelry designer takes a lot of its inspiration from nature.

Vacheron Constantin: VASH-er-ahn kon-stan-TAN
Just as Constantine was a great Roman emperor, this brand is a longtime (since 1755) king of exceptional Swiss watches.